Multichannel Systems MEA-IT User Manual
Impedance Testing Device
MEA-IT Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written
permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher
and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting
from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and
source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable
for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused
directly or indirectly by this document.
© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
Printed: 26. 09. 2013
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustraße 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-71 21-90 92 5 - 0
Fax +49-71 21-90 92 5 -11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Products that
are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and / or registered trademarks of
their respective holders and should be noted as such. The publisher and the author make no
claim to these trademark.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 About this Manual 1
1.2 Welcome to the Impedance Testing Device 2
2 Important Information and Instructions 3
2.1 Important Safety Advice 3
2.2 Guarantee and Liability 4
2.3 Operator's Obligations 4
3 Setting up the MEA-IT 5
3.1 Hardware 5
3.2 Installing the MEA-IT Software 7
3.3 Compatible Microelectrode Arrays 8
4 Impedance Measurements 11
4.1 Mounting the MEA 11
4.2 MEA-IT Software Controls 13
4.2.1 Introduction 13
4.2.2 Overview 14
4.2.3 Running a Measurement 20
5 Troubleshooting 23
5.1 Troubleshooting 23
5.2 Error Messages 23
5.3 Technical Support 24
6 Appendix 25
6.1 Technical Specifications 25
6.2 Contact Information 26
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1 Introduction
1.1 About this Manual
This manual comprises all important information about the first installation of the hardware
and software, and about the daily work with the instrument. It is assumed that you have already
a basic understanding of technical and software terms. No special skills are required to read this
manual.
If you are using the device for the first time, please read the important safety advice before
installing the hardware and software, where you will find important information about the
installation and first steps.
The printed manual and help are basically the same, so it is up to you which one you will use.
The help offers you the advantage of scrolling through the text in a non-linear fashion, picking
up all information you need, especially if you use the Index, and the Search function. If you
are going to read larger text passages, however, you may prefer the printed manual.
The device and the software are part of an ongoing developmental process. Please understand
that the provided documentation is not always up to date. The latest information can be found
in the help. Check also the MCS web site (www.multichannelsystems.com) for downloading up-todate manuals and help files.
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Impedance Testing Device MEA-IT Manual
1.2 Welcome to the Impedance Testing Device MEA-IT
The impedance testing device MEA-IT for microelectrode arrays with 60 electrodes allows an easy
monitoring of MEA electrode impedances. The measurement process is controlled by the software
MEA-IT. On a virtual MEA layout the impedance of each electrode is displayed in an intuitive color
code.
It is possible to save the data after each measurement to a database file and to export the data
in ASCII format . This way you can monitor the development of each single electrode' s impedance
over the entire life span of each microelectrode array.
Based on this information the user can, for example, decide whether a MEA chip can be put to
further use or should be discarded, or if a specific surface treatment or coating has any relevant
influence on the electrode impedance.
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2 Important Information and Instructions
2.1 Important Safety Advice
Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to install or to use the device and the
software. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or
breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.
Warning: Obey always the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should
be allowed to perform laboratory work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain
best results and to minimize risks.
The product has been built to the state of the art and in accordance with recognized safety
engineering rules. The device may only
be used for its intended purpose;
be used when in a perfect condition.
Improper use could lead to serious, even fatal injuries to the user or third parties and damage
to the device itself or other material damage.
Warning: The device and the software are not intended for medical uses and must not
be used on humans.
Malfunctions which could impair safety should be rectified immediately.
High Voltage
Electrical cords must be properly laid and installed. The length and quality of the cords must
be in accordance with local provisions.
Only qualified technicians may work on the electrical system. It is essential that the accident
prevention regulations and those of the employers' liability associations are observed.
Each time before starting up, make sure that the mains supply agrees with the specifications
of the connected computer.
Check the USB cord for damage each time the site is changed. Damaged cords should be replaced
immediately and may never be reused.
Check the leads for damage. Damaged leads should be replaced immediately and may never
be reused.
Do not try to insert anything sharp or metallic into the vents or the case.
Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Keep the device and the power cords always
dry. Do not handle it with wet hands.
Requirements for the installation
Make sure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place anything on top of
the device, and do not place it on top of another heat producing device. Never cover the vents,
not even partially, so that the air can circulate freely. Otherwise, the device may overheat.
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Impedance Testing Device MEA-IT Manual
2.2 Guarantee and Liability
The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply.
The operator will receive these no later than on conclusion of the contract.
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests
and data generated by the use of the device or the software. It is up to the user to use good
laboratory practice to establish the validity of his findings.
Guarantee and liability claims in the event of injury or material damage are excluded when
they are the result of one of the following.
Improper use of the device.
Improper installation, commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Operating the device when the safety and protective devices are defective and/or inoperable.
Non-observance of the instructions in the manual with regard to transport, storage, installation,
commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Unauthorized structural alterations to the device.
Unauthorized modifications to the system settings.
Inadequate monitoring of device components subject to wear.
Improperly executed and unauthorized repairs.
Unauthorized opening of the device or its components.
Catastrophic events due to the effect of foreign bodies or acts of God.
2.3 Operator's Obligations
The operator is obliged to allow only persons to work on the device, who
are familiar with the safety at work and accident prevention regulations and have been
instructed how to use the device;
are professionally qualified or have specialist knowledge and training and have received
instruction in the use of the device;
have read and understood the chapter on safety and the warning instructions in this manual
and confirmed this with their signature.
It must be monitored at regular intervals that the operating personnel are working safely.
Personnel still undergoing training may only work on the device under the supervision
of an experienced person.
4
3 Setting up the MEA-IT
3.1 Hardware
The MEA-IT is a very compact and portable device for measuring electrode impedances
on microelectrode arrays (MEA) with MEA-IT software.
The measurements are transmitted to the connected computer via universal serial bus
(USB 2.0 Full Speed). Thus, it is possible to use any computer as a data acquisition computer,
also a laptop.
The device does not need an own power supply. Just connect it to an USB port of the
data acquisition computer and the blue LED on the right side of the front panel lights up.
The USB connector is located on the side panel of the device.
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